The gardens of the British elite required money, free time and a staff; for everyone else, here's how to look the part

The English are major-league gardeners. Way more than in the U.S., horticulture is a national hobby and subject of everyday discussion. It's a fascination that stretches back at least to the era of the grand "country houses" that still dot rural regions.

Having recently returned from visiting some of these spreads I have some simple advice if you want to try this at home. First, be born wealthy. Second, inherit or acquire a...